MugShot Monday #4- 24/7 Love at Cafe De L'Amour

Welcome to MugShot Monday: a caffeine inspired journey to uncover University Ave’s Cafe’s

The timing isn’t ideal. I lost a bet and now I am on a month long coffee cleanse. However, MugShot Monday must continue, and besides, it gives me an opportunity to sample other beverage items besides coffee.

Work in Progress, Cafe de L'amour is just getting started

I walked south down the ‘Ave’ on another hot day not knowing where I would end up. While scanning both sides of the street for signs of coffee I walked right past Cafe de L’amour. They are in the middle of a soft-opening so they haven’t quite nailed down their storefront. I backed-up, went in and chatted up the barista who was happy to tell me about the cafe’s future to come.

For one, Cafe De L’Amour is planning to be a 24/7 business. That means if you are cramming for a final or a deadline, or you are having that insomnia again, this is a destination you will want to know about.

Secondly, Cafe De L’Amour is hoping to connect with the art and music community by participating in the U-district Art Walk, hosting an open-mike and having other music acts put on shows. So if you are looking for a place to try out a new song or put some art up, give them a call!

James the Manager: Talk to him about getting a show or hanging your art!

I ordered an Earl Gray tea and sat down with James the manager to learn what he envisions for the cafe.

He told me that for now they are serving a Somalian French Roast(he wasn’t sure of the brand). They haven’t sourced a local baker yet, but he said that he hopes they will be able to carry some local brands and support local Famers Market sellers such as NuFlour, a gluten free bakery. James also added that Somali Owner Ahmed Ali will be installing a kitchen in the back so they can offer samosas and other menu items round the clock. The goal is for 24/7 hours of operation starting September 20, and until then they are open until 2 AM.

This cafe has a lot of space, brand new super comfortable seating and lot of potential. I really hope they are able to incorporate a local vibe through art, music and their menu offerings. In my opinion, having an independent coffee house in Seattle means supporting local coffee roasters, bakers, tea brewers and the like. I went ahead and put in my own personal requests for a Chai I hope they choose to carry. I encourage you to go down there and offer them some ideas too!

James seemed to be super excited to have this clean slate to work with. It’ll be great to see how he is able to bring it all together!